Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
South Island, New Zealand
- 55 minutes (approx.)
- Flight time: 55 minutes
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Hover above the Southern Alps on a spectacular helicopter ride that lets you see places you couldn’t otherwise access without expert mountaineering skills. Glide over Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and down the Tasman Glacier, then over to the West Coast for a glimpse of the famous Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Learn more about the mountains via helpful commentary from your pilot.
- Land in pristine snow and get a chance to walk around
- Helicopters comply with high standards of aviation safety
- Get among New Zealand’s highest mountains without the physical struggle
- Make your own way to the helipad
What's Included
- Scenic helicopter flight
- Pilot guide
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- See Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier and West Coast Glaciers
- Alpine Snow Landing
- Items of a personal nature
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- The Helicopter Line, Mount CookGlentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner 7999, New Zealand
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Pass By)
Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks (Pass By)
Tasman Glacier (Pass By)
Fox Glacier (Pass By)
Franz Josef Glacier (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Total weight per passenger: 364 lbs
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures.
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat and are under 15kgs
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Anne_A
The helicopter flight was an amazing and unique experience. We flew all the way from Glentanner to the West Coast (via Mt Cook, Franz-Joseph and Fox Glacier). Unforgettable! The views were immaculate and we even did a snow landing. Everyone was super nice and it was all well organised. This experience is a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it!
Reviews
4.7
based on 139 reviews
Rahul_K, Jan 2026
I had an amazing experience with the 55 min helicopter ride, we had to wait for a while due to bad weather but the staff was helpful and booked us on a later ride on the same day. The landing on the snow was just too good and the pilot even helped us with the photographs.
Becky_F, Sep 2025
It was an amazing experience the views were breath taking. I would highly recommend this helicopter trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Kia ora Becky.
Thank you for your review and recommendation. We are delighted to hear you had a fantastic flight.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Kelly_C, Apr 2025
This was our second helicopter tour with The Helicopter Line, the first one being from Queenstown. Queenstown experience was great. Glentanner, not so much. First the positive. The views from this flight were nothing short of spectacular. The negatives. Our group was two couples and we were literally crammed into the back row of the helo. We all had to turn our shoulders and lean right for the door to be latched. A single person, not part of our group, got the front seat. We asked about rotating seats after the glacier landing and were told no. The microphones on our headsets were disabled so there was no way to converse with the pilot or each other. The worst part, however, was listening to the radio conversation between the pilot and the ground staff over the pilot’s next flight and their disagreement on his crew duty day…all while we are flying very close to mountains. It wasn’t just a quick radio call. They went back and forth with the ground staff badgering the pilot until he relented. This discussion should have happened on the ground and certainly should have never happened while we were airborne. In comparison. Queenstown had just our group in an identical model helo. We were allowed to rotate seats after both landings. Our headsets were fully functional and we were able to talk to the pilot and ask questions throughout the flight. Glentanner seemed more concerned with enforcing their “safety” rules but totally missed the mark with the ground staff’s lack of safety awareness that was distracting our pilot from the most important part….passenger safety while airborne.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Kia ora Kelly,
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We are sorry to hear you were uncomfortable on your flight. For safety, seating in the helicopter is based on everyone's weights inside the aircraft. Microphones are turned off for the safety of our guests and for our pilots to be aware of other operating aircraft in the area. We are disappointed to hear of the communication you heard between our base and our pilot. We will investigate this matter further, as professionalism is essential to us. We thank you for bringing this to our attention.
We are very pleased to hear how much you enjoyed your experience with our team in Queenstown and will pass along your kind feedback. We hope you enjoy the rest of your New Zealand adventures.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Nicky_B, Mar 2025
Unable to do helicopter ride as it was cancelled due to high winds. Could not reschedule as weather was dame next day and we were leaving area. Actvity provider - Helicopter Line were apologetic and advised we have a full refund from Viator who we booked activity through. Helicopter company helpful. Hope we get the refund
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Kia ora Nicky,
We are sorry to hear your flight was cancelled due to weather. If you don't receive your full refund, please let our team know so they can assist with the process with Viator. You can reach them at +64 3 435 1801 or email at mountcook@helicopter.co.nz. We hope you can join us in the future for a flight above Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Joanne_D, Feb 2025
Amazing, well worth the cost. Well organised, great pilot, mind blowing scenery. Allow at least 2 days or some flexibility in case of cancellations due to weather which can be common
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Kia ora Joanne,
We appreciate your 5-star review and appreciate your understanding of the unpredictable weather conditions in the surrounding Mackenzie Basin. We are so thrilled to hear that you thought it was worth the wait and the cost and that you got to experience the phenomenal scenery in the best way possible.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Robert_N, Feb 2025
Pilots very experienced....safety first....with great customer service....view of snow capped mountains was glorious....landing on a glacier was a bonus
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Kia ora Robert,
Thank you for your fantastic feedback. The team will be thrilled to hear that you felt safe and well taken care of on your flight with us. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back in the future.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
David_M, Nov 2024
We hiked around the Mt Cook area but decided to take a helicopter to see even more. It was so worth it!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Kia ora David,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're so glad you decided to take to the skies after your hike around the Aoraki / Mount Cook area. The views from the helicopter are truly something special, and we're thrilled to hear it was worth it.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Krystyna_W, Oct 2024
We had the worst communication and customer service leading up to our booking. Multiple phone calls to change our flight time with various inconsistent reasons. Things like, not meeting minimum numbers, flight over weight, another couple cancelled, ither couple did not arrive, flights are delayed flights are on time etc..after checking and waiting for our booked flight (which was altered 3 times before we arrived) we were told our 55min experience was cancelled. This was after watching 2 other groups who arrived after us board the helicopters in our booking time. We were offered a reduced flight time of 30min as bad weather was setting in, but we walked away very disappointed with our experience. Our originsl time was 3 hours earlier in the day when the skies were crystal clear. We understand the weather can cancel flights but this wasn't our issue.. Staff told us differentl story's, changed reasons making it very frustrating. I would recommend booking with another helicopter company with better service. Which is what we have done.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Kia ora Krystyna,
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and feedback. We are disappointed to know about the information and communication you received from our team and are sorry you weren't able to fly with us. We've passed your feedback to our team to investigate your situation further. We appreciate you reaching out to give us the opportunity to improve experiences for all future guests.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Angel_H, Oct 2024
Due to weather condition 55 minutes was changed to 45 mins and still not received email for refund.
Please advise ASAP.
We should refund $200*2=400 for 2 bookings.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Kia ora Angel,
We're glad to see you enjoyed your flight with us. We've followed up with our base in Glentanner and it seems your partial refund has since been processed. We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. Thank you for joining us.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Anne_A, Apr 2024
The helicopter flight was an amazing and unique experience. We flew all the way from Glentanner to the West Coast (via Mt Cook, Franz-Joseph and Fox Glacier). Unforgettable! The views were immaculate and we even did a snow landing. Everyone was super nice and it was all well organised. This experience is a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it!
Response from Host, May 2024
Kia Ora Anne,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're thrilled you enjoyed your flight with our team. Seeing Aoraki / Mount Cook, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers is the ultimate glacier experience. We love this flight and are so pleased you did too. We appreciate your recommendation and thank you for flying with us.
Kind regards,
The Helicopter Line
Achim_B, Mar 2024
A wonderful and outstanding experience. Many thanks to our pilot who explained and showed a lot of interesting things. An absolute unique experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kia Ora Achim,
Thank you for this fantastic, 5-star review. We are glad you got to experience the breathtaking scenery of Aoraki / Mount Cook. We thank you for joining us.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Andrew_F, Feb 2024
The ground staff provided excellent services by explaining details of our trip and safety procedures. Greg, both our pilot and guide, carried us safely over top of the mountains as well as throughout the trip! We are pleased to say that the whole trip was memorable caused it was managed by capable hands.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kia Ora Andrew,
Thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful 5-star review. We will be sure to pass along your feedback to our team. We're so pleased to hear how much you enjoyed your flight with us. Thank you for joining us in Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Best wishes,
The Helicopter Line
Aubrey_D, Dec 2023
We scheduled this after our Franz Joseph glacier experience was cancelled due to weather. This ended up being even better because we saw all of the glaciers in one trip. We had good weather and the views were exceptional!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Kia Ora Aubrey,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5- star review. We're so glad you were able to fly with us in Mount Cook. Nothing beats good weather and a flight over glaciers. Thank you for joining us.
Harry_C, Oct 2023
OUTSTANDING! This a must to do, it was an amazing flight with unbelievable scenery. This has to be the best helicopter flight tour that my wife and I have been on and we have been on a few. The scenery will leave you speechless, then to top it off, they land on the glacier which was amazing! There is no rush at all and very enjoyable. I highly recommend it! Well worth it.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Kia Ora Harry,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We are thrilled to be your best helicopter flight so far. The views really are spectacular. Landing on the glacier is extraordinary. We thank you for your recommendation and support.
Mili_M, Aug 2023
The BEST experience ever!!!Everyone at the station specially Hazel as well as the pilot were super!!
The landing at Franz Josef glacier was just phenomenal!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hi Mili_M,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad you enjoyed your scenic flight with us and got to experience the breath taking landing above Franz Josef Glacier. I have passed on the kind words to Hazel and the pilot! Thanks so much for joining us.
Kind Regards,
The Team at The Helicopter Line Mount Cook
Steven_S, May 2023
Stepping out of the helo into the new snow to take in 360 view. Saw mountain goat running across the mountain
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Kia Ora Steven,
Thank you for leaving us a kind review. We are glad you enjoyed the Mount Cook and The Glaciers flight, taking in the beautiful views Mount Cook has to offer and getting to see the mountain goats. We thank you for your support. We hope to see you for another flight in the future.
Kind Regards,
The Team at The Helicopter Line Mt Cook
Debbid_P, Aug 2022
Absolutely amazing, practically the highlight of our 2 week South Island holiday. Pilot was super friendly knowledgeable.
Thank you
Diane_P, Mar 2020
This was an absolutely amazing experience and the BEST way to see Mt Cook and the glaciers. Our pilot Simon was skilled and knowledgeable. I had never been in a helicopter and felt relaxed and able to enjoy all I was seeing!
From $542.28
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight
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